A 6th-grade test in English as a foreign language is described and contrasted with second language acquisition by the children of foreign laborers in Germany. The latter calls for special teaching procedures; tests and tapes are described. The teacher's "feel" is considered more important than "scientific" methodology. (IFS/WGA)

This article discusses how a language laboratory can be used effectively in an English as a second language/English as a foreign language program. The lab should be used primarily for listening comprehension, not for drill and repetition. (CFM)

Examines various approaches to the teaching of word meanings in the second language classroom, including the use of translation, visual aids, and direct methods. (AM)

Describes a French course offered at the Irish branch of the Alliance Francaise designed to establish a common fund of knowledge for students with different language backgrounds. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

Briefly discusses the clash between student needs and teaching methods witnessed in the Irish branch of the Alliance Francaise, and acts as an introduction to a discussion of three specific methods. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

Presents a method for the systematic teaching of prosodic features, particularly in French, based on a general theory of intonation and on the use of a pitch visualizer. (Text is in French.) (AM)

The curiosity motive innate in every human can be used to advantage in language instruction. Instructional physical resources; grouping of learners and teachers; selection and sequencing of material; provision of feedback; and language learning activities like role-playing, games, and individual projects can be structured to make use of curiosity.…

The Silent Way emphasizes knowing the student and supporting the development of his self-awareness as a learner. Silence serves two purposes. The student learns to sharpen his listening skills because the instructor gives the model once. Silence eliminates interference so that short-term memory of an utterance is not destroyed. (CFM)

Briefly reviews the way grammar has been taught over the last 30 years and explores a successful student-centered method of grammar instruction in second-language classes that can aid retention. (Author/JL)

Examines the role of sound in reading Japanese Script and evaluates arguments for semantic versus phonological identification to determine the relative importance of phonological processes in reading "kanji" and "kana." Implications for the teaching of kanji to learners of Japanese as a second language are explored. (Author/JL)

Reviews recent research into the acquisition of second language phonology and examines if and how findings are reflected in currently used pronunciation teaching materials. Makes suggestions for the future production of materials incorporating activities more fully addressing the communicative, psychological, and sociological dimensions of…

Explores dilemmas posed in the design of strategy instruction (SI) for adults learning a range of languages in a distance learning context. Recent approaches to SI are reviewed and attempts to resolve the issues are described. (Author/VWL)

The purpose of this study was to shed light on the issue of strategy training in second language learning. Investigated the effect of metacognitive strategy training through the use of explicit strategy instruction on the development of lexical knowledge of English-as-a-Foreign-Language students. (Author/VWL)

Considers the extent to which constructionist epistemology provides a solution for achieving a link between qualitative-ethnographic and cognitivist research on foreign language acquisition. Points to the validity of qualitative research provided that there is clarity and explicitness of process so that those who read research can carry out their…

Investigated the effects of frequent dictation on the listening comprehension ability of elementary English-as-a-Foreign-Language learners. Subjects were two homogenous groups of elementary EFL students at the Kish Language Institute in Tehran, Iran. Results showed dictation had a significant effect on the listening comprehension ability of the…